Sneezing, a blocked nose that resembles Rudolph’s, watery eyes, a throbbing head and an itchy throat are some of the symptoms of the common cold that you might be dealing with this summer, while the rest of the island is out licking ice cream on water slides. It’s a misconception that only chilly climes bring colds; they also strike when the heat is on.
After all, a common cold is a virus that attacks the upper respiratory tract (comprised of the nostrils, nasal cavity, mouth, throat and voice box), says Dr Sanjay Gupta, of the surgical clinic at American Mission Hospital in Manama. Many viruses can cause this annoying sickness that can temporarily disrupt your best-laid plans, but the rhinovirus category is most often to blame.
The mouth, eyes and nose are entry points for the virus, which usually spreads through droplets in the air when an infected individual coughs, sneezes or talks, says Dr Gupta. In the years of his practice, he has seen all too many patients believe that taking antibiotics is the quick-fix for a cold. “Antibiotics have no role to play in viral infections. In fact, they can unnecessarily produce a resistant strain of bacteria if given to healthy persons, as a result of which they aren’t effective when they are really needed in severe bacterial infections.” They can also cause mild to serious side effects.
Antibiotics are effective against bacteria, which are single-cell, living organisms, by stopping their growth and reproduction. Viruses are particles containing genetic material wrapped in a protein coat. They are not alive and cannot grow and reproduce without invading other living cells. The body’s immune system must let those like colds simply run their course. Antibiotics do not work against viruses.
A cold accompanied by a low-grade fever (not more than 101°F for more than 24 hours) can be treated at home. You can:
• Drink plenty of fluids, particularly hot honey, lemon and ginger decoctions / teas and chicken soup for their proven benefits in fighting colds.
• Use a vaporiser, or hot steam, to clear the sinus passages and ease sinus pressure.
• Boost your immunity with Vitamin C and zinc supplements to help fast-forward to recovery. Herbs like echinacea, licorice root and garlic help as well.
• Gargle with warm salt water to soothe a scratchy throat.
• Rely on over-the-counter antihistamines to get relief from sneezing, watery eyes and a runny nose, and paracetamol to quell a mild fever and the accompanying aches.
• Breathe easy with saline nasal sprays that will allow you to sleep better.
The second and third days of a cold are probably the worst, when the symptoms are at their peak. Plough through with the above remedies and a dollop of fortitude. You are also most contagious during this time, so taking time off from your regular routine and catching up on rest and sleep is a prudent call.
